Chapter 38: Chapter 38

"We found photos of you and your girlfriend, together and apart. It looked like he had been stalking you for a while. We also found the clothes he had worn when he'd killed Connor Grey. They were hidden in his closet and the DNA matched. We're still investigating but all I can say for now is that your business partner was obsessed with your girlfriend. It happens when people think they're in love but by killing Mr. Grey, Duke Copeland had taken his obsession to the next level. There's no saying what he would have done to Miss Rutherford hadn't she ran from him. These kinds of cases are a bit hard to solve because we never really know when the perpetrator's behavior escalates. Most stalkers start out innocently. It's always to keep someone they love safe or just wanting to know the person's every move. Until they feel betrayed or something snaps inside them. Then they start being dangerous.

One of our psychologists came to the conclusion that by killing Mr. Grey, Copeland thought he was protecting Miss Rutherford. Seeing her hurt might have been the reason he snapped. These are just assumptions and we may never find out the real motive behind the killing. Our only hope is that Mr. Copeland wakes up from his coma. He's the only person who can answer these questions."

The chief of police had told him that then apologized for arresting him. Ray hadn't blamed any of them because Copeland had used one of his letter openers to kill Connor. His fingerprints were on it so it was logical for the police to think he was the one who'd done it. That was two days ago. Copeland hadn't made it through the night. He'd died and Ray couldn't bring himself to be mad or hate the man. They'd been business partners for more than three years. They never had any problems and had worked and gotten along with each other just fine. He also understood the man's need to protect Alexis. If he hadn't been so numb, he would have gone after Connor himself. Who's to say he wouldn't have ended up killing him? The anger he felt when he saw her unconscious and covered in blood was enough to kill that bastard for hurting her.

It was love. Alexis had that effect on people without knowing, without even trying. It was so easy to love her and feel like it was your responsibility to take care of her. Make sure she's safe and unharmed. He couldn't blame another man for protecting her because he understood that need. He only wished that he'd had the chance to talk to him before he died. The police say that he would have hurt Alexis had he caught her. Ray didn't think so. If he loved her, he wouldn't have hurt her. He had to think that Copeland only wanted to explain himself. Make her understand why he did it. But as the police said, they would never know. No one ever would. Copeland had taken that secret with him to the grave.

Today he was getting out. His lawyer, a sharp efficient man in his mid-forties, who owned the most prestigious law firm in the country had sped up the process and paperwork to release him. He'd decided to not tell anyone that he would be released today so he could surprise them. He also didn't want Alexis to know. If she wasn't ready to talk to him, she'd run. And he didn't want her to run from him. Now that he was out, he had so much to make amends for. He knew it was his fault they kept fighting because he hadn't told her he was married. He'd grovel on his knees and beg her to forgive him if that was what it took to have her back in his arms. But he wasn't going to give up on her. What they had was too special to let go.

After the warden gave him his belongings, he was escorted out. There was snow covering the grounds, reminding him that he'd spent Christmas locked up. It was almost new year and Ray felt like it was the beginning of his new life. After everything he'd gone through, watching Alexis stop breathing, feeling empty, being locked up, after all, that he felt like he'd come out stronger than ever before. He understood how short life was and he wasn't going to waste another minute. He'd set things straight and make sure to enjoy every minute he was alive and free. Taking his phone out, he called a cab then called the first person he needed to make amends with.

"You're really out. I couldn't believe it when you called" Odessa said pulling the seat opposite him and settling down. She placed her bag on the table then took his hands in hers. He'd gone home, changed then came to meet with her.

"Yeah. They found the real killer so they let me go" he replied moving his hands out of her grasp. She frowned but said nothing about it.

"That's really great Ray. We should celebrate. What do you want to do now that you're a free man?"

"Actually that's not why I called you here." he cleared his throat wondering how he could put whatever he wanted to say gently. He didn't want to hurt her but there was no easy way to say whatever needed to be said. "Thank you for being there for me when I needed someone to support me. You don't know how grateful I am"

"It's not a problem Ray. I'm glad I was able to be of some help"

"Me too. But I can't see you again."

"What?"

"For some reason, Alexis feels threatened by you even though she has no reason to be. So to avoid fights with her I can't see you ever again"

"You can't be serious? You'll stop being my friend because your girlfriend doesn't like it?"

"She's my fiancé Odessa and I'll do anything for her. Even drop all my friends because I can't live without her"

"I never pegged you to be the type of man who would let his girlfriend dictate his life" she spat angrily. Ray knew that what she said was meant to be an insult but he couldn't care less.

"It doesn't matter what you think of me Odessa. I love Alexis and I'm willing to do anything to make her happy. Until you truly fall in love, you won't understand"

She laughed sarcastically "I have fallen in love Ray. With you. To me our marriage was real. Please don't cast me out of your life. We can meet secretly. Alexis doesn't have to know about our relationship"

"That's just it. There is nothing between us," he said spreading his hands on the table, palms facing upwards. "I'm sorry that I put you through so much pain but I can never love you Odessa. There's only one woman I want to be with. And you've known that from the beginning"

"How can you love someone who doesn't love you back? She told me I could have you. I was willing to fight for you but she wouldn't even lift a finger. How can you love someone like that?"

"It's love. It doesn't have explanations. I love her and it's never going to change. I wish you find someone who'll love you the way you deserve Odessa. Goodbye" he stood up and left. He'd suspected Odessa had told Alexis something to make her distrust him and he'd just confirmed it. She was hoping to get another chance when he never really felt anything for her. He could have gotten mad at her for trying to come between them but all that was irrelevant at that moment. It wouldn't change anything to harbor such feelings towards someone he'd never see again. He needed to start his preparations and he didn't have the energy to hate Odessa. This time he was going to propose to Alexis the right way.

"Jayden, I need your help one last time"

Jayden scoffed "I doubt it's the last time man. What can I help you with?" Ray explained his plans and even though he couldn't see him he felt a lot of eye rolling.

"Stop rolling your eyes and get on with it" he chided through the phone.

"I'm not rolling my eyes. I have a feeling this is the biggest favor you're ever going to ask of me so it's only right that I ask this. What am I getting in return for helping you?"

The little shit. He always asked for payment every time Ray asked for a favor "Isn't having me as your brother-in-law enough?"

"Nah. That doesn't count. What if Lexi says no?"

"I'll make it so that she won't be able to refuse."

Gagging "Dude that's my sister we're talking about. I don't need to know the things you do together" he said then gagged some more. How old was he again?

"Fine. I suppose making you my best man is enough?"

"I don't know...."

"Jayden chicks love the best man. Trust me every girl is going to want your number by the end of the day" or not. Ray could picture Jayden walking on air all day, announcing that he was the best man. Chances are the girls would run away from him and his over inflated ego but he didn't need to know that. At least not yet.

"Fine. It's a deal"

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"Lexi you have an hour to get ready. Red or black?" Jayden barged into her room announcing. He had two gowns on either hand, holding them up for her to see.

"Did I miss something?"

"Yeah. Dad needs you to accompany him to this event he has to attend so hurry up"

"Really? Why can't mom go with him? I don't feel like going anywhere" she grunted letting her head fall back on the pillow. The police had told her that Copeland was the killer but it would take them a few days to let Ray go due to the amount of paperwork that needed to be signed. Add the fact that most government officials were on holidays, they'd said a week at most. She didn't know if he would come to see her or if he'd keep being mad at her. God forbid he went to see Odessa first. The thought of them together made her pull the covers over her head. She wasn't ready to face the world yet.

"Mom's not feeling well. Get up Lexi, you're running out of time" Jayden yelled from somewhere above her.

"Why don't you go you, idiot?"

"Because I can't dazzle people with my smile. Dad said he needed your charm. Not mine"

"Arrgh fine!" she really couldn't stand being in a room full of people and pretend to be happy but her father needed her. She couldn't let him down. She took a quick shower and did a double take when she found Jayden on her bed typing something on his phone. "Why are you still here?"

"I'm supposed to drive you there. Dad had to leave early"

Alexis arched a brow "Why do you sound fishy Jayden? For some reason, I don't believe you"

"Don't care. Just get dressed and let's go. I have to go see my girlfriend"

"You have a girlfriend?"

"It's none of your business Lexi. Get dressed or I'll do it for you"

Alexis smacked him on the forehead before heading to the closet "Stop bossing me around. I'm your older sister you jerk"

"It's not my fault you came first. I asked mom for a younger sister and she gave me Kieran. I'm still mad about that you know"

Alexis shook her head. If she actually listened to what Jayden said half the time, she'd have a constant headache. She wondered what kind of event she was going to that required her to wear such... Sexy gowns. Where did her brother find them anyway? They still had tags. Poking her head out of the walk-in closet she asked: "Where did you get this gowns from?"

"Jazz dropped them off. Will you hurry up?" that explained it. Between the red and black, she didn't know which was more scandalous. But Jazz always told her to flaunt what her momma gave her because not every girl was lucky to be as blessed as she was. So it made sense for her to pick those two gowns. She wondered what her father's reaction would be. He'd probably take his coat off and drape it over her shoulders. She picked the black one. It was a stylish shimmery long-sleeved gown with a deep V-neck and a slit that went all the way to the junction of her thigh. If she didn't move carefully, she'd flash people her goods. Sighing Alexis left her hair down. Since Jayden kept bugging her to hurry up, there was no time to style it. Slipping on gold strappy heels, she emerged from the closet.

"Are you done?"

"Yeah let's go"

They were at the front door when she heard someone talking. "Hey isn't that dad?"

"Where?" Jayden asked taking her hand and dragging her out. He shoved her in the back seat and took the driver's seat. "You're hearing things, Lexi. When was the last time you ate?"

"This morning. But that doesn't....."

"You're hallucinating because you're hungry. Make sure to eat when you get there"

"Yes mom," she said huffing.

He chuckled "Is there anything on the back seat?"

"Anything like what?" she asked as he pulled the car out of the driveway.

"I don't know. Just look." Alexis looked around and was about to slap him upside the head when she saw a small box sitting on the far end. Picking it up she tore the ribbon to see what was inside. A scarf?

"Really Jayden? A scarf?"

"Merry Christmas. Tie it around your eyes"

"Not a chance you idiot."

"It's a requirement. Do it or I'll do it for you and tie your hands behind your back so you won't take it off"

Alexis frowned. Something was definitely not right "Why would I do that? What's going on Jayden?"

"Trust me, Lexi. Tie it around your eyes" she could have refused. Except Jayden had stopped the car and he was dangling a rope in front of her eyes.

"You can't be serious"

"Jesus Christ Alexandra, will you tie the damn thing? It's not like I'm going to sell you off to the Arabians. I'm just following instructions" he had her at Alexandra. She didn't think he knew how to pronounce her full name since he'd never done it. She took the silk scarf and tied it over her eyes.

"Happy now?"

"Yes. Thank you" she felt the car moving. Ten or maybe twenty minutes later it stopped.

"Are we here?" she asked since she couldn't see anything.

"Yeah. Wait I'll help you out"

"I swear if a fall down I'll kill you Jayden"

"Yeah. That's if you'll be able to catch me in those heels you have on"

"Let's just go" She took his hand and got out of the car. He led her to what she realized was the elevator when it started going up.

"Okay. I've delivered her safe and sound. How much money can I get for her?" Jayden asked when the elevator stopped. She heard a chuckle before a kiss landed on her cheek. "Be happy sis" he said and then he was gone. Alexis stood there wondering what was happening. Where had her brother taken her? And why did she have to be happy? She stood still afraid of taking off the scarf off her eyes.

For some reason, she didn't want to be disappointed by who it was. It had become clear to her that Jayden had tricked her to come here -wherever it was - by using their father. It was so easy to hope. Could it really be him? What if it wasn't and she found out indeed that she was standing in front of her father? Hands untied the knot behind her head and the material fell away. Alexis found herself looking straight into Ray's eyes.

"Hello Princess"

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Ahem. One more soppy, sexy, extra hot chapter and then it's a wrap, people.

I'm ready for the end. Are you?